Gov. Nikki Haley declared a State of Emergency Thursday afternoon in advance of any potential impacts from Hurricane Joaquin and flooding from a separate weather system.

The State of Emergency declaration puts state emergency plans into effect, enabling agencies to better coordinate resources jointly and respond to requests for state assistance from county emergency managers, according to South Carolina Emergency Management Division spokesman Derrec Becker.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service predict that heavy rain from a separate weather system will create flash flood conditions throughout the entire state.

Everyone in South Carolina is urged to continue to monitor the developing forecasts through news media and by following trusted sources online. Pay attention to emergency warnings from local and state public safety officials and take safety actions if instructed to do so.